Peter Dews

Peter Dews (1929-1997) [1] (1929-1997)], was a British actor and director.

Biography

Born and educated in Wakefield, Yorkshire, he had an M.A. from University College, Oxford and taught for two years before joining the BBC, in Birmingham, working as a director in radio and television. A freelance theatre worker as well, he became the Birmingham Repertory Theatre's Artistic Director (1965 to 1972). Having been a guest director at the Chichester Festival Theatre for a number of years, he eventually succeeded Keith Michell as the fourth artistic director of the Festival Theatre in 1978, directing three Festival seasons. He also directed productions at various UK theatres, as well as venues in the USA, Canada, South Africa, Israel, Malta, Éire and Hong Kong.

Dews passed away on 25 August 1997.

Contribution to South African theatre

He came to South Africa in 1972 to direct Darling, I'm Home! (Popplewell) for Pieter Toerien at the Johannesburg Civic Theatre and the Nico Malan Theatre, Cape Town. He returned in 1974 to direct Hamlet for NAPAC Drama at The Alhambra Theatre, Durban.